Wicklow Novice C/C C/Ships were held on Sunday 6th Oct., in Kilcoole. The course was a very demanding one, and with the weather being very warm for the time of year, it became even more demanding. In the womens race Louise Nolan put in a magnificent performance to take the silver medal, just pipped on the line by Claire Earls of Inbhear Dee AC, a top class 800mtr runner. Noelle Thorpe finished in 3rd place, adding a bronze medal to her silver from last year. Elaine Nuzun (20) and Mary Hourihan (23) both ran way above expectation to help the team to the bronze medal. The team finished on equal points with Ashford, but lost out on countback, and were a mere 2 points behind the winners Kilcoole.
In the mens race Joe Cawley ran a brilliant tactical race, working his way through the field over the final two laps to finish in 2nd place. Chris Morgan also finished very strongly over the final two laps to finish in an excellent 5th place. Dominic Horan, although suffering an injury on the final lap, finished in 8th place, a top class effort. Michael Nalty (18), Bill Stanley (24), Jason O'Connor (36), Bernard Quinn (37), Tom Cavanagh (38), Denis Patterson (41) and Paddy Ryan (42) all performed heroically to help the team to 2nd place, the winners being Parnell AC.
JUVENILES.
Our juvenile teams performed fantastically, taking home an impressive haul of team medals.
U12 boys (Milo Dolling, Ronan Brierton, Matt Nalty, Adam Walsh) won bronze
U14 boys (Cian Galligan, Joe Phelan, Jacob Stanley, Jack Parker, Evan Brierton, Patrick Emms) won silver
U14 girls (Sadhbh O'Loan, Shauna Galligan, Isobel Walsh and Fionnula McCarthy) won bronze
Sadhbh O'Loan came home third in the U14 girls winning the only individual juvenile medal of the day with a brilliant performance.
It was great to see our teams work so effectively together and showing that every single place counts in cross country team championships.
Juvenile medals will be presented at training on Tuesday.
As mentioned earlier Dominic went over on his ankle during the race, he unfortunately has suffered a grade 2 ligament tear in his ankle and will be out of action for 6 to 8 weeks. Also out injured is Matt Hickmott, who I am sure would have been contesting for a medal had he been racing, Matt suffered a leg break recently and will be out for a number of months. We wish them both well and a speedy return to running.
Thanks to all those who ran, officiated, helped with the stewarding and those who gave their support to the athletes. Congratulations to Kilcoole AC for doing a great job in hosting the event.
South and North bound cars take the Kilcoole/Greystones exit off the N11 for the R774. Go through the first roundabout.
About 200M BEFORE the next roundabout which is the Kilcoole Road roundabout take a LEFT onto PRIORY ROAD.
This will be signposted in advance.
Eden Gate is the housing estate 50M off the R774 this smaller roundabout is about 200M from the entrance to the cross country. There will be parking in the field, however, access and egress will be subject to weather conditions on the day of the cross country championships. Persons concerned about access/egress may choose to park in this estate.
Novice Men and Ladies may wish park in local public parking areas and jog the 800M to the cross country
Please note novice ladies race will start at 11am sharp, followed by the Novice men.
Juvenile races commence at 12.00 with U6.
Admission is €2 per adult whether on foot or by car. Please do not park in Shoreline Car Park.
